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Ischaemic stroke in a patient on sunitinib
Maire Therese Lonergan1, Feargal Kellehar, Raymond McDermott
1Adelaide & Meath Hospital, Stroke Unit and Department of Gerontology, Tallaght, Dublin, D24, Ireland.
BMJ Case Reports
|March 16, 2012
Summary
Sunitinib therapy for metastatic renal cell carcinoma may pose a rare risk of stroke. This case report highlights a potential adverse event in patients receiving this vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitor.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) is a significant health concern.
- Sunitinib, an anti-vascular endothelial cell growth factor agent, is a standard treatment for mRCC.
- Theoretical risks of thrombosis and bleeding have been associated with sunitinib therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the first documented case of stroke in a patient undergoing sunitinib therapy for mRCC.
- To raise awareness of potential neurological adverse events associated with sunitinib.
Main Methods:
- Case report of an older male patient with mRCC.
- Patient was receiving sunitinib therapy.
- Clinical presentation, diagnosis, and outcome of stroke were documented.
Main Results:
- The patient experienced a stroke while on sunitinib treatment.
- This represents the first reported instance of stroke in this clinical context.
Conclusions:
- Sunitinib therapy, while effective for mRCC, may be associated with a rare risk of cerebrovascular events like stroke.
- Further investigation into the thrombotic potential of sunitinib is warranted.
- Clinicians should remain vigilant for neurological complications in mRCC patients treated with sunitinib.
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